When Martin tried to intervene, the teen threw a rock at his head, killing him instantly. The rapist has since been apprehended, and the police are charging him with murder and assault.

His sibling, whose name is not being released because of her age and the nature of the crime, was taken to a hospital.

At around 6.30pm Thursday, the brother and sister were playing by the train tracks near their home when a stranger approached the 12-year-old girl, sexually assaulted her and slashed her face, the kids’ aunt and stepfather told WRIC…Investigators later determined that the suspect had threatened to kill the 12-year-old girl if she provided police with accurate information about him.

I know it’s hard to find: the silver lining in this story–but there’s one. You look at a teen rapist and murderer and wonder what kind of sick monsters raised him. But then you look at Martin Cobb, and you know that there must also be parents who are doing something right.

Or just beat him in the head with a rock until he dies! I’m so sorry for the family whose daughter was raped and whose son was killed trying to protect his sister. What a brave thing for a small child to do. He is in heaven now, and I applaud his parents for raising a fine young man. May God bless you and your family and give you comfort and peace in this time of your sorrow.

So very sad, my heart goes out to the family of the little hero. He did what grown men can’t even do most times. He stood up for what was right and gave the ultimate price, his life. Safe journey young man, you were a rarity among the human race.

Hoping his murderer is tried as an adult. Our so called justice system will probably apologize to him because his feelings got hurt. Try the bastard as an adult, lock him away for 20 years or so, then release him to Martin’s parents. God bless and keep this family and keep them from harm.

Parents doing something right? What? The parents were not there when both young children needed them. At least one parent should be around them or grandparents some family member period at all times. I do not let my daughters walk to school alone ever. Actually they both learn at home. Public schools these days are too dangerous.